NFU v Dover Athletic (NL)

Ferriby entertain Dover Athletic on Saturday in a Vanarama National League fixture. The Villagers will be keen to reverse the 2-0 defeat at Dover in September.

Last Saturday’s defeat at Braintree saw Ferriby drop to the bottom of the league. Steve Housham’s summing-up was very succinct,

“The best team lost!”

It is hard to argue with that. Ferriby were the better team and controlled the game for long periods. They created far more opportunities than the home side and had many more goal attempts. However, the downfall was the same as it has been all season, getting a goal.

Housham commented,
“Earlier in the season we weren’t creating chances and rarely looked liked scoring. The last couple of months has seen that change and we are creating plenty of chances but are not necessarily having the best of luck in front of goal.”

Dover are in 6th place, just outside the play-off places on goal difference. Like Ferriby, they will be eager for three points on Saturday. The Kent side have won seven, drawn two and lost six of their away games league games. They have scored 26 goals in those games and conceded 23. figures that will give Ferriby some confidence. Their main goal threat comes from Ricky Miller and Moses Emmanuel who have netted 27 and 11 times respectively in league games.

A win for Ferriby on Saturday would not take them out of the bottom four but they could still move up the table. There are now just nine points separating the bottom eight clubs and Ferriby still have a good chance to finish outside the bottom four. That would be a tremendous achievement for a club with Ferriby’s resources. What is certain is that Housham’s team will battle to the end of the season. There is a tremendous spirit in this side. Nobody was in any doubt as to how difficult this season would be but The Villagers have surprised many with their football and attitude.

“As usual, it will be another tough game. We know we can get something from it if we are at our best. It’s not going to be easy because it never is in this league. Dover need three points as much as we do.

“We need to be aware of the threat Miller brings up front but we have a solid defence which will not be awed by his scoring ability. We need to compete in midfield and reduce their attacking options. Most of all, we need to continue to create chances and put a few away.”

Simon Russell continues with his rehabilitation following a fractured patella. Danny Emerton will hopefully have recovered from his groin injury. Steve Brogan may possibly be fit to play. Ryan Fallowfield and Connor Oliver are out with their respective metatarsal and hamstring injuries. Ross Armstrong went off with injuries to both ankle at Braintreee as he came in for some heavy punishment.